Highlights
- Hike to the magnificent Wat Doi Suthep temple
- Climb up the "sticky" Bua Tong waterfalls
- Experience Karen hill tribe culture in Pha Mon
- Hang out with the elephants in Mae Sa
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chiang Mai, Hike Doi Suthep | Chiang Mai |
| Day 2 | Visit Si Lanna National Park, Kayak & Bua Tong Waterfall Climb | Chiang Mai |
| Day 3 | Doi Inthanon & Waterfall Hike | Chiang Mai |
| Day 4 | Bike Ride to Baan Tawai Craft Village | Chiang Mai |
| Day 5 | Elephant Sanctuary Visit in Mae Sa | Chiang Mai |
| Day 6 | Leisure Day in Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai |
| Day 7 | Depart Chiang Mai |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai, Hike Doi Suthep
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Chiang Mai, the country's fourth-largest city nicknamed the "Rose of the North" for its natural beauty, fascinating Lanna culture, historic temples, and vibrant food scene. Take a private transfer to your hotel and settle in before getting acquainted with northern Thailand's mountainous scenery. Your driver will take you and the kids to the highest peak, Doi Pui, on the Doi Suthep mountain range. Let the kids burn off post-flight energy and excitement with a gentle hike along the ridge.
Admire the views overlooking the city as you reach a Hmong village nestled into the mountainside and stop at a nearby café to taste their locally grown and roasted coffee. The highlight of your hike is a trip to the magnificent Wat Doi Suthep, one of Thailand's most sacred temples. Explore the gardens, shrines, and Buddhas before returning to the city. As the sun dips, introduce the kids to local life as you wander the night markets and encourage them to practice their negotiating skills with the stallholders. Then follow your nose as you and your family dine on delicious street food.
Day 2: Visit Si Lanna National Park, Kayak & Bua Tong Waterfall Climb
Get ready for a day of aquatic adventure in the beautiful Si Lanna National Park as you travel 1.5 hours north to Mae Ngat Dam. Head to the tranquil mountain-backed reservoir and spend a couple of hours kayaking from the dam until you reach a collection of floating houses, restaurants, and hangout spots on the water. It's a blissful way to have some easy-going fun with the kids. Enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant, another experience sure to make the little ones smile, and then either relax on the shady deck or join the kids for a splash and a swim.
In the afternoon, sail back to the dam in a traditional Thai long-tail boat before a half-hour drive along scenic mountain passes to the Bua Tong Waterfalls. These curious cascades have earnt the nickname "sticky waterfalls" due to the porous, calcified limestone rocks underneath, which become sticky from the streaming water, making them easy to climb. Kids can unleash their inner spiderman as they clamber up the falls while you climb the adjacent path or take off your shoes and join in the fun.
Day 3: Doi Inthanon & Waterfall Hike
Rally the kids this morning and pack a picnic and snacks as you take a private transfer one-hour west to the Mae Wang district. Lace up your hiking boots as you follow the trail downhill on the northern side of Thailand's tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon. You'll reach the first of the area's many waterfalls in less than an hour. It's an excellent spot for lunch and playing with the kids. Cool off in the small pool underneath the gentle falls before continuing your hike, past a small village, to another two-tiered waterfall, where you can relax and swim before the next stretch of your hike.
The northern slopes are home to the hill tribe of Thailand's Karen people. As you and your family hike through the lush forests for another hour or two, you'll reach the Karen village of Pha Mon. Spend time learning about Karen culture and lifestyle as you witness local village life and enjoy spectacular views down the valley. Afterward, return to Chiang Mai, where the evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 4: Bike Ride to Baan Tawai Craft Village
Relax with a leisurely breakfast and change of pace this morning after yesterday's adventures as a transfer takes you to the outskirts southwest of Chiang Mai for a gentle bike ride. The kids will love the freedom of exploring on two wheels as you peddle along the backroads next to the river and through rice paddies. Stop for a bite to eat and continue to Baan Tawai, known for its intricate wood carving and handcrafted furniture. Discover the village's vast crafts market as you and the kids browse the stalls, full of authentic pieces and a visual feast for the eyes.
Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary Visit in Mae Sa
This morning get ready to spend the day hanging out with Thailand's beloved national animal, the elephant. Travel to an elephant sanctuary in Mae Sa as you and the kids create extraordinary memories looking after these gentle giants. Get to know these highly empathetic creatures by observing them in their natural habitat, and follow the routine of a mahout (elephant trainer) as you feed and care for them. Enjoy lunch at the park before a jungle walk. There will be plenty of time for photos as you and the kids come away with some four-legged friendships you'll never forget,
Day 6: Leisure Day in Chiang Mai
Spend your last full day in Chiang Mai at leisure. If you and the kids are art lovers, head to the galleries east of the Ping River, and immerse yourselves in local life as you browse the markets and wander the stalls. Explore the area's remarkable ornate temples, including the exquisite 16th-century Wat Sri Suphan (also known as the Silver Pagoda). Stop and chat with the Buddhist monks, who will gladly converse about life and religion as they practice their English. Alternatively, relax by the pool and spend your last night walking the night markets and dining on delicious street food.
Day 7: Depart Chiang Mai
Sadly, it's your family's last day in Thailand. After breakfast, transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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